Baba Yaga is a very iconic character in Slavic Folklore. Baba Yaga is not good, but she is also not entirely evil. Russian parents would warn their children to be good, or they might face her wrath.
In most Slavic folk tales, she is portrayed as an antagonist. There are stories in which she kidnaps children and threatens to eat them. There are also stories where she provides misleading information to strangers who were unlucky to lose their way in the deep forest in which she lives. However, some characters in other Slavic folk stories have been known to seek her out for her wisdom, and she has been known on occasion to offer guidance to lost souls, help people with their quests, although this is seen as rare. Seeking out her aid is usually portrayed as a dangerous act. An emphasis is placed on the need for proper preparation and purity of spirit, as well as basic politeness. It is said she ages one year every time she is asked a question, which probably explains her reluctance to help.